The Millennial Generation:
What’s Up With Them?

As an assistant professor at a university teaching predominantly 20 somethings, I’ve been increasingly hearing comments about the millennial generation. I’m certain this is an issue that affects most of us, not only in the teaching arena, but also in patient care.

First of all, in case you’re wondering what the definitions are of the “generations” in general, here they are:¹

Here are some interesting facts to know about the millennial generation:

1. Millennial is defined as a person born between 1980 and 1999. If that’s you, then welcome to the generation.¹
2. There are more than 80 million Americans in this generation (the largest in history).¹
3. They are the most diverse generation with 60% of 18 – 29 year olds classified as non-Hispanic white, versus 70% for those 30 and older.²
4. Eleven percent of Millennials are born to at least one immigrant parent.²

What does a Millennial look like? It’s not like they’re painted with stripes or polka dots for easy identification. Here are some characteristics of Millennial learners from a recent excellent lecture:³

1. Prefers structured environment with clear expectations, goals, and objectives.
2. Seeks leadership and guidance from supervisors but expects that you draw out and respect their ideas.
3. Enjoys working in teams and collaborating on projects that include a variety of tasks and challenges on a regular basis to avoid boredom.
4. Has a positive, confident attitude and sense of self-assuredness.
5. Possesses high electronic literacy with computers and other media which results in instant contact with others and a preference for networking.
6. Engages in several activities at one time but also seeks flexibility to balance personal life with academic or work demands.

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Ok, so here comes the part that refers to the title of our little editorial. You can read a pretty obvious negative tone in the title. The reason is that among the vast majority of people with which I speak, the word “millennial” seems to be used in a derogatory manner. For example, you might hear, “Those entitled Millennials. They think they have the right to make decisions.” Or, “Those Millennials. They can’t put down their cell phone and stop texting for five minutes.” Or perhaps you’ve heard, “Those Millennials. Their helicopter parents held their hands and now they can’t do anything independently.” The list goes on and on.

My problem with this viewpoint is the negative value judgment that comes along with all of these statements. Yes, this generation is different (as a whole) from those that came before. But is that necessarily a bad thing? I don’t think so. First of all, each generation has derided the ones that followed, likely for the entire time H. sapiens has been around. People are always uncomfortable with what’s different from themselves. Second, what did we expect? The world is changing at an ever-increasing rate. The power of computers, for example, has completely altered the human experience. I can remember a time when televisions weighed as much as a small car, the Internet didn’t exist, and a telephone was a large device attached to a cord that sat on a table. “Bluetooth”, “lap top”, and “cell phone” were words that didn’t even exist. Technology is now an integral part of our lives, and this new generation has grown up with it as a regular and seamless part of life.

Not to mention, that it was the prior generations that raised this one! Any faults the Millennials supposedly have is our fault. If you don’t like your children to feel entitled, then don’t spoil them.

With that said, here are some suggestions for those of us working with/training those in the Millennial generation.

1. Suck it up. They’re the next generation and you might as well accept it. That’s life.
2. Embrace the differences of others. Maybe they have something to teach you?
3. Teach to their strengths. Use technology, shorten scheduled student and resident lectures and incorporate multi-media methods and workshops.
4. Empower them in a safe environment. If Millennials desire structured freedom, then give it to them when safe.
5. Try communication. Ask your learners what they want out of their educational experiences.
6. Understand them. This generation has a strong drive toward work-life balance. They might not want to work 90 hours/week and never see their families. For those of us workaholics, we might consider that this may just possibly be a healthier way to live.

For you Millennials, I have one piece of advice. Remember that you are the new generation, coming into a work force that already exists. To a major extent you need to adapt and be flexible to some degree. No one has it perfect, and we all have to work together. Patience and understanding in both directions will yield strong results in the end.

Best wishes,

Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
PRESENT Practice Perfect Editor
[email protected]

REFERENCES

1. The Millennial Generation Research Review. US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/millennial-generation-research-review. Last accessed October 8, 2014.
2. Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change. Pew Research Center, 2009. https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2010/02/24/millennials-confident-connected-open-to-change/ Last accessed October 8, 2014.
3. Medio, Franklin. Characteristics of the Millennial Learner. Western University College of Podiatric Medicine Faculty Development Workshop, September 30, 2014
   

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